Forest and connectivity loss drive changes in movement behavior of bird species

In a rapidly changing world, it is important to understand how environmental modifications by humans affect species behavior. This is not a simple task, since we need to deal with a multitude of species and the different external contexts that affect their behavior. Here, we investigate how interpatch short-distance movements of 73 common forest bird species can be predicted by forest cover and forest isolation. We modeled bird movement as a function of environmental covariates, species traits - body mass and feeding habit - and phylogenetic relationships using Joint Species Movement Models. We used field data collected in forest edges and open pastures of six 600 x 600 m plots in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot. We found that birds fly larger distances and visit more forest patches and remnant trees with decreasing forest cover. Increasing landscape isolation results in larger flight distances, and it increases the use of trees as stepping-stones for most species. Our results show that birds can adjust their behavior as a response to spatial modification in resource distribution and landscape connectivity. These adjusted behaviors can potentially contribute to ecosystem responses to habitat modification.Peer reviewe

Absolute and Relative Reliability of the Assessment of the Muscle Mechanical Properties of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women with and without Urinary Incontinence

An analysis of the muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) is relevant for understanding the physiopathology of urinary incontinence (UI). However, there is no objective and reliable methodology currently available for quantifying the MMPs of PFMs. Thus, the objective was to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the MMPs of PFM assessment with a hand-held tonometer device, called the MyotonPRO, in young women with and without UI. Sociodemographic and pelvic floor questionnaires, plus MMPs of PFMs were assessed in 38 nulliparous women with UI and 40 matched healthy women by two trained physiotherapists on two different occasions, 48–72 h apart. Good to excellent absolute reliability was found for tone, stiffness, and decrement of both intra- and inter-rater analyses in both study groups (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ranged from 0.75 to 0.92), with a trend of lower values for relaxation and creep. The standard error of measurement (SEM) did not achieve 10% of the mean values for any MMPs. The minimum detectable change (MDC) values were also provided for clinical applications. In conclusion, the relative reliability of tone, stiffness, and the assessment of the decrement of PFMs with MyotonPRO is good to excellent for UI and healthy women. The SEM and MDC values were acceptable for their application in clinical settings

Influence of vaginal birth on lumbopelvic muscle mechanical properties on urinary incontinence

ObjectiveTo identify differences in the muscle mechanical properties of the pelvic floor (PF) and lumbar paravertebral (LP) muscles between young nulliparous and uni/multiparous women. Secondarily, specific behaviors, depending on the presence or absence or urinary incontinence (UI), were also researched. DesignCase–control study. SettingHigher education institution. ParticipantsOne hundred young women participated, divided into two groups depending on whether they had vaginal birth (nulliparous or uni/multiparous). Each group included women with and without UI. Main measuresA muscle mechanical properties (tone, stiffness, decrement—inverse of elasticity—, and viscoelastic properties: relaxation and creep) assessment of the PF and LP muscles were performed with a hand-held tonometer. ResultsTone and stiffness of both sides of the PF presented group by UI interaction (p < 0.05), with uni/multiparous women with UI showing higher tone and stiffness compared to multiparous women without UI. In LP muscles, uni/multiparous women showed greater tone and stiffness on the right and left sides [−2.57 Hz (95% confidence interval −4.42,−0.72) and −79.74 N/m (−143.52,−15.97); −2.20 Hz (−3.82,−0.58) and −81.30 N/m (−140.66-,21.95), respectively], as well as a decrease in viscoelastic properties compared to nulliparous women [relaxation: 2.88 ms (0.31,5.44); creep: 0.15 (0.01,0.30); relaxation: 2.69 ms (0.13,5.25); creep: 0.14 (0,0.28), respectively]. ConclusionsVaginal birth and UI have a differential influence on the muscle mechanical properties of the PF and LP muscles. The determination of muscle mechanical properties by externally applied hand-held tonometry improves the knowledge of the lumbopelvic status, with applicability in clinical and research fields

Asymmetries of the Muscle Mechanical Properties of the Pelvic Floor in Nulliparous and Multiparous Women, and Men: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to identify if the muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) of both sides of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) are symmetrical in different populations of both sexes. Between-sides comparisons of MMPs of PFMs, assessed with manual myotonometry, were performed in three groups, with 31 subjects each, composed of healthy nulliparous women (without any type of delivery or pregnancy), multiparous women (with at least two vaginal deliveries), and healthy adult men. Intra-group correlations between MMPs and age, body mass index (BMI), or clinical state of pelvic floor were also obtained. The nulliparous women and the men showed no between-sides differences in any MMP of PFMs. However, the multiparous women showed that the right side displayed less frequency (−0.65 Hz, 95% CI = −1.01, −0.20) and decrement (0.5, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.01), and more relaxation (1.00 ms, 95% CI = 0.47, 1.54) and creep (0.07 De, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.11), than the left side. Further, MMPs were related to age, sex, and BMI, also depending on the population, with the multiparous women being the only group with some between-sides asymmetries, which in this case were positive and of fair intensity for the left side of the PFMs, between BMI, and frequency and stiffness (rho Spearman coefficient: 0.365 and 0.366, respectively). The symmetry of MMPs of the PFMs could depend on the subject’s condition. Multiparous women show a higher tendency to asymmetries than nulliparous women and men, which should be considered in research and clinical settings

Genetic diversity in two threatened species of guitarfish (Elasmobranchii: Rhinobatidae) from the Brazilian and Argentinian coasts: an alert for conservation

The guitarfishes Pseudobatos horkelii and Pseudobatos percellens meet the criteria for threatened status as Critically Endangered (CR) and Endangered (EN), respectively. Both species occur in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Considering the lack of data on the genetic structure of these species, the present study evaluated the genetic variability and population structure of the P. horkelii and P. percellens in the southern region of Brazil and the northern coast of Argentina, based on sequences of mitochondrial DNA, Control Region (D-loop). Samples of P. horkelii (n = 135) were analyzed in six localities situated in Northern Argentina, along the Brazilian states’ coast. The mean of nucleotide diversity was 0.0053, the ΦST was 0.4277 and demographic analysis of P. horkelii suggests the existence of stability of the populations, with D = 0.9929, FS = 2.0155, SSD = 0.0817, R = 0.2153. In P. percellens (n = 101) were analyzed from six Brazilian localities along the coast of Santa Catarina, Paraná, and São Paulo. The mean nucleotide diversity was 0.0014 and ΦST value of 0.2921, the demographic analysis indicates a high migration rate of P. percellens among the localities evaluated, with D = 0.5222, FS = 0.3528, SSD = 0.01785, R = 0.3890.As raias violas Pseudobatos horkelii e Pseudobatos percellens, são listados como “Criticamente em Perigo” (CR) e “Em Perigo” (EN), respectivamente. Ambas as espécies ocorrem no Sul do Oceano Atlântico. Considerando a falta de dados sobre a estrutura genética dessas espécies, o presente estudo avaliou a variabilidade genética e a estrutura populacional de P. horkelii e P. percellens na região sudeste do Brasil e litoral norte da Argentina, com base em sequências de DNA mitocondrial, região de controle (D-loop). Amostras de 135 indivíduos de P. horkelii analisados em seis localidades, situadas no norte da Argentina e ao longo da costa dos estados brasileiros. A média da diversidade nucleotídica foi de 0.0053, o índice ΦST foi de 0.4277 e a análise demográfica de P. horkelii, indicou a existência de estabilidade das populações, com D = 0.9929, Fus = 2.0155, SSD = 0.0817, R = 0.2153. Em 101 exemplares de P. percellens, foram analisados em seis localidades brasileiras ao longo do litoral de Santa Catarina, Paraná e São Paulo. A diversidade nucleotídica média foi de 0.0014 e o valor ΦST de 0.2921, a análise demográfica indicou uma alta taxa de migração de P. percellens entre as localidades analisadas, com D = 0.5222, FS = 0.3528, SSD = 0.01785, R = 0.3890.Fil: Cruz, Vanessa P.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Adachi, Aisni M. C. L.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Oliveira, Pablo H.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Ribeiro, Giovana S.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Paim, Fabilene G.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Souza, Bruno C.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Rodrigues, Alexandre S. F.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Vianna, Marcelo. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Delpiani, Sergio Matias. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Díaz de Astarloa, Juan Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Rotundo, Matheus M.. Universidade Santa Cecília; BrasilFil: Mendonça, Fernando F.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Oliveira, Claudio. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Lessa, Rosangela P.. Universidad Federal Rural Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Foresti, Fausto. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasi

DIVERSIDADE DA FLORA FANEROGÂMICA DE TRÊS MATAS DE GALERIA NO BIOMA CERRADO

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a diversidade vegetal de fanerógamas em três matas de galeria no Distrito Federal, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado na Área de Proteção Ambiental Gama-Cabeça de Veado, a partir do levantamento fitossociológico em 12 parcelas paralelas aos córregos das matas de galerias amostradas, totalizando 3600 m2 de área. Foram identificadas 146 espécies, sendo Fabaceae, Myrtaceae e Rubiaceae as famí­lias mais representativas. Apenas sete espécies ocorreram concomitantemente nas áreas estudadas, indicando elevada diversidade, sobretudo em termos de árvores e arbustos. Os valores de riqueza de espécies e diversidade de Shannon foram maiores no córrego Cabeça-de-Veado (JBB), comparado ao córrego Capetinga (FAL) e Roncador (IBGE), respectivamente. Enquanto que a Dominância Absoluta apresentou maiores valores no córrego Roncador, comparado aos córregos Capetinga e Cabeça-de-Veado, respectivamente. Assim, observamos que a diversidade de espécies está relacionada   heterogeneidade ambiental das matas amostradas, as quais estão relacionadas as caracterí­sticas edáficas e do regime hidrológico

SEPOI al servicio de la comunidad

Más allá de la actividad que realiza OPS en cada lugar de trabajo, dos veces en el año, los alumnos de cada comisión de la asignatura realizan una jornada de atención en SEPOI en la facultad de Odontología de la Plata. El día que nos correspondió concurrir, algo muy gratificante nos ocurrió y fue encontrarnos con una familia que venia desde Mar del Plata exclusivamente para recibir atención odontológica. Referían recibir la oportunidad por parte de la municipalidad de Mar del Plata que les brindaba los pasajes de ida y vuelta. Hacían el viaje en el mismo día y toda la familia, constituida por Madre, Padre y 4 niños para recibir atención odontológica en SEPOI. Cabe destacar que la salud bucal general de la familia era buena debido al sacrificio y constancia de concurrir a pesar de la distancia, en interrelación con el seguimiento que recibían por parte de los alumnos y profesores. No solo la atención en el sillón odontológico fue buena, si no que ellos mantenían una óptima higiene oral. Conducta que habían adquirido gracias a la motivación e información brindada en sus anteriores concurrencias al SEPOI.Categoría: Casos clínicos.Facultad de Odontologí

SEPOI al servicio de la comunidad

Más allá de la actividad que realiza OPS en cada lugar de trabajo, dos veces en el año, los alumnos de cada comisión de la asignatura realizan una jornada de atención en SEPOI en la facultad de Odontología de la Plata. El día que nos correspondió concurrir, algo muy gratificante nos ocurrió y fue encontrarnos con una familia que venia desde Mar del Plata exclusivamente para recibir atención odontológica. Referían recibir la oportunidad por parte de la municipalidad de Mar del Plata que les brindaba los pasajes de ida y vuelta. Hacían el viaje en el mismo día y toda la familia, constituida por Madre, Padre y 4 niños para recibir atención odontológica en SEPOI. Cabe destacar que la salud bucal general de la familia era buena debido al sacrificio y constancia de concurrir a pesar de la distancia, en interrelación con el seguimiento que recibían por parte de los alumnos y profesores. No solo la atención en el sillón odontológico fue buena, si no que ellos mantenían una óptima higiene oral. Conducta que habían adquirido gracias a la motivación e información brindada en sus anteriores concurrencias al SEPOI.Categoría: Casos clínicos.Facultad de Odontologí

SEPOI al servicio de la comunidad

Más allá de la actividad que realiza OPS en cada lugar de trabajo, dos veces en el año, los alumnos de cada comisión de la asignatura realizan una jornada de atención en SEPOI en la facultad de Odontología de la Plata. El día que nos correspondió concurrir, algo muy gratificante nos ocurrió y fue encontrarnos con una familia que venia desde Mar del Plata exclusivamente para recibir atención odontológica. Referían recibir la oportunidad por parte de la municipalidad de Mar del Plata que les brindaba los pasajes de ida y vuelta. Hacían el viaje en el mismo día y toda la familia, constituida por Madre, Padre y 4 niños para recibir atención odontológica en SEPOI. Cabe destacar que la salud bucal general de la familia era buena debido al sacrificio y constancia de concurrir a pesar de la distancia, en interrelación con el seguimiento que recibían por parte de los alumnos y profesores. No solo la atención en el sillón odontológico fue buena, si no que ellos mantenían una óptima higiene oral. Conducta que habían adquirido gracias a la motivación e información brindada en sus anteriores concurrencias al SEPOI.Categoría: Casos clínicos.Facultad de Odontologí